Friends of Sandra Malo-ney, charged with animal cruelty, defended the Makaha resident who allegedly beat a peacock to death with a baseball bat on May 17.

“;Sandra is not a violent person, and this issue is a complete waste of taxpayers' money,”; said friend Andrea Hayek, of Dewey, Ariz., in a written statement.

Maloney's arraignment and plea yesterday were continued until 9 a.m. June 19 at Waianae District Court because she did not have an attorney present.

Maloney declined to comment to reporters after the court proceeding.

City prosecutors charged Maloney, a resident of Makaha Valley Towers, last week with second-degree cruelty to animals, a misdemeanor. If convicted, she faces a year in jail and a $2,000 fine.

Maloney's friends submitted letters in her support to per diem Judge Clyde Sumida at Waianae District Court.

Hayek, a former resident of Makaha Valley Towers, said the loud screeches from the peacocks were among the main reasons why she moved to Arizona last year after she lived at the residential complex for five years.

“;There are far too many of them on the property, and nothing was ever done to, at least 'thin' them out. Granted they are a beautiful bird, but when they keep you awake night after night, they aren't so pretty,”; she said.